Suspected of smuggling! An eBay seller has been arrested and may face a fine of up to 2 million US dollars!

eBay seller arrested for suspected smuggling, may face $2M fine

eBay123 learned that, according to foreign media reports, a man in Memphis, Tennessee, USA was arrested and charged recently for smuggling counterfeit goods and illegally transporting hazardous materials by air.

According to a press release from the Western District of Tennessee US Attorney’s Office, the man’s name is Mohammed Al-Abadi, 51 years old. Between October 1, 2019 and January 14, 2021, he imported counterfeit car airbag parts from China, assembled them, and sold them on eBay to car repair shops and individual customers.

According to documents presented in court, federal agents found more than 2,000 counterfeit airbags and parts related to brands such as Acura, Nissan, Honda, Lexus, Toyota, and Ford at Al-Abadi’s residence and business location (Z Tire Shop & Auto).

Todd Damiani, the special agent in charge of the Southern Region of the US Department of Transportation’s Inspector General’s Office, said: “Counterfeit airbags have not been regulated or tested, and if they are used by unsuspecting consumers, they may cause potentially serious consequences.”

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US Attorney Kevin Ritz said: “The defendant’s criminal behavior has harmed reckless drivers and the public. Car airbags must strictly comply with nationally regulated quality standards to ensure passenger safety. The defendant’s charges have undermined the efforts of the automotive industry and regulatory agencies to protect public safety.”

Kevin Ritz did not specify how many counterfeit airbags Al-Abadi sold or how much money he made.

However, the press release stated that if the charge of selling counterfeit goods is proven, Al-Abadi could face up to 10 years in prison and a fine of $2 million. In addition, if the charge of illegally transporting hazardous materials by air is proven, he could face up to 5 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. Furthermore, these two charges come with a supervisory period of up to three years after release.

The author ✎ Nicole/eBay123

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